Fake NBA Trade of the Day 5/3/16: Marc Gasol to Boston

Every day, Pick and Popovich will post one fake trade and explain why it makes sense for every team involved to make it. There are no parameters beyond fitting within the salary cap. Sometimes the trades will involve stars, others role players. They are not grounded in actual rumors, they just make sense on paper. During the 2016 NBA Playoffs, each week will feature seven fake trades of one star player. This is Marc Gasol Week.

Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Boston Celtics Receive:

Marcus Smart Marc Gasol

Amir Johnson

Brooklyn Nets 2018 1st Round Pick

Why Memphis would make this trade: As with the Atlanta trade yesterday, this deal secures a point guard of the future for Memphis to replace Mike Conley and gives them a valuable 1st round draft pick to continue adding young talent.

Why Boston would make this trade: Aside from finally adding a star? A defensive center is Boston’s biggest need. Gasol would serve as a perfect bridge to whoever Boston’s next young superstar happens to be, likely coming from one of those Brooklyn picks they’d still have. With him in the fold, they could easily compete for a title.